Global Interactions:
In ancient times, transporting commodities over a great distance was expensive and risky. Therefore, commerce was restricted to mainly to local markets. The most commonly traded articles were food goods and clothing. Most people spent the bulk of their money and other resources on food,what they didnt grow or gather themselves anyway. The same was true with clothing: Garments were either produced and handed down from within the family or acquired through trade. In addition to food, clothing, and shelter, the rich devoted their income to conspicuous attire, jewelry, and works of art. As a result, an important trade in luxury items developed.

After a decline following the breakup of the Roman Empire, European commerce expanded gradually during the Middle Ages, especially during the 12th and 13th centuries. Long-distance trade became safer once merchants began to form associations for the travelers protection who journeyed abroad. The main long-distance trade routes were from the Baltic and the eastern Mediterranean to central and northern Europe. From the forests of the Baltic came raw materials: timber, tar, furs, and skins. From the East came luxury goods: spices, jewelry, and textiles. In exchange for these goods, western Europe exported raw materials and processed goods. The English sold woolen garments, the Dutch offered salted herring, Spain produced wool, and France exported salt; southern Europe was also rich in wine, fruit, and oil. The Italian and German cities straddling these routes promoted and financed the trade.


tritrade.jpg
Slave trade routes around the world from 1263-1800's


http://www.blackstudies.ucsb.edu/antillians/trade2.html

Oil - imports: 17.71 million bbl/day (2001)
Year
Oil - imports
Rank
Percent Change
Date of Information
2004
16,970,000
-1

2001
2005
15,690,000
-1
-7.54 %
2001
2006
15,690,000
-1
0.00 %
2001
2008
17,710,000
-1
12.87 %
2001
Definition: This entry is the total oil imported in barrels per day (bbl/day), including both crude oil and oil products.
http://www.indexmundi.com/european_union/oil_imports.html
htnfhsdks.jpg
European trade routess of the 14th century

Wars:
America just cant help to not get into wars with Europe! Whether it be with them or against them. The english came way back in 1492 and that just started the ball. The French helped us during the revolutionary war while we were fighting Britian. Still now we dont quite see eye to eye with what each country and its rulers do.
THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR:
The Revolutionary War began in 1775 when "the shot heard 'round the world" was fired. Many European countries that did not favor England came to our aid; poland, Spain, and france. About 7200 Americans died during this long and bloody fight. Although not many women are mentioned during this war one lady that was very well known was Molly ‘Pitcher’ she took water out to the men on the field and after her husband was wounded, she took his place at the cannon.
.www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/modules/revwar/index.cfm
www.oppapers.com/.../revolutionary-war-and-women-page1.html